Economy
Analysts Predict March Inflation to Drop to 16.52%
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Analysts at FSDH Research have predicted a fall in the March 2017 inflation rate (year-on-year) to 16.52 percent from 17.78 percent recorded in the month of February 2017.
In its Inflation Watch released on Thursday, FSDH Research noted that this is premised on the slower increases in the food and non-food divisions than previous months coupled with the base effect of the higher prices in the CCPI in March 2016 than the current month.
Analysts at the firm pointed out that the monthly Food Price Index (FPI) released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows that the Index averaged 171 points, 2.75 percent lower than the revised value for February 2017, but 13.39 percent higher than the March 2016 figure.
According to the FAO, the drop in the value of the Index was mainly attributable to the sharp decline in the prices of sugar and vegetable oils.
The FAO Sugar Price Index fell by 10.89 percent in March 2017 on the heels of reports on improved supply conditions in the main sugar producing region of Brazil.
Also, the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index was down by 6.18 percent as a result of abundant exports of soy and palm oil in Southeast Asia, Indonesia and South America coupled with a favourable outlook for global supply in 2017/18.
The FAO Dairy Index declined by 2.27 percent majorly due to the fall in milk powder and cheese. Butter prices on the other hand, rose amid reduced exports.
The FAO Cereal Price Index decreased by 1.81 percent as a result of the fall in the prices of wheat, maize and rice. Good production prospects and sufficient supplies weighed on the prices.
On the other side, the FAO Meat Price Index was up by 0.74 percent as prices of bovine and pig meat increased due to firm import demand particularly from China.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is expected to release the inflation rate for the month of March 2017 on April 15, 2017.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The pre-registration training and examination for capital market operators (CMOs) for the second quarter of 2026 has been postponed.
Business Post gathered that the new date for the exercise is now Monday, June 15, 2026.
This information was disclosed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through a circular on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The Nigerian capital market regulator stated that this postponement has also resulted in the extension of the deadline for registration to Friday, June 12, 2026.
In the notice today, the SEC expressed its regret for the inconvenience this action may cause operators, who had prepared for the initial date of the training and examination.
“Further to the recent circular on Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hereby informs all eligible applicants for the Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination that the commencement date has been postponed to Monday, June 15, 2026.
“Registration on the designated portal has also been extended to Friday, June 12, 2026. All other conditions contained in the circular remain unchanged.
“The commission regrets any inconvenience this postponement may cause and appreciates the understanding of all applicants,” the disclosure noted.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading healthcare firms in Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has listed additional shares on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
The new stocks absorbed into the stock market were 600 million units, raising the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each from 2,400,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.
The fresh equities came from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share.
They were issued to existing investors on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as of the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Confirming the development, the regulator in a notice said, “Trading licence holders are hereby notified that an additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each of Fidson Healthcare Plc were on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, listed on the daily official list of Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“The additional shares arose from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
“With the listing of the additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares, the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson Healthcare Plc have now increased from 2,400,000,000 to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
This news will surely excite local contractors with verified claims of N100 million or less, as the federal government has approved their payments.
This approval for the disbursement was given by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.
This followed a verification and reconciliation exercise designed to ensure only validated claims qualify for payment.
The beneficiaries cover contractors across multiple ministries, departments and agencies. The release of the funds is expected to enable contractors to return to project sites, pay workers, settle suppliers and meet outstanding financial commitments.
In an announcement on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Finance also said this latest batch of payments would ease liquidity pressure on small businesses and accelerate economic activity nationwide.
It was noted that the payments for verified claims of N100 million below were strategically done to spread economic impact broadly rather than concentrate disbursements among a handful of large firms.
The payments form part of a broader push to clear inherited contractor obligations, with over N700 billion verified in recent months.
“For many beneficiaries, the release of funds represents more than a financial transaction. It provides the certainty needed to sustain operations, preserve jobs, complete ongoing projects, and contribute to economic recovery and growth,” the ministry said in a statement.
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